Alvirda Hyman, wife of Fremont Bank founder, Morris Hyman, passed away on Saturday, December 04, 2010 at the age of 91 of natural causes. Born in Bayou Lafourche, Louisiana, she moved with her husband to California following WWII. Together they had very little - but with encouragement, a little financial support, and tremendous love, Alvirda and Morris created and led Fremont Bank to become a leading institution in community banking and mortgage lending.

Today, Fremont Bank has over $2.4 Billion in assets and serves the greater East Bay area with 19 branch offices. Alvirda was also instrumental in creating the Fremont Bank Foundation, whose grants have been used to help create the Fremont Bank Aqua Adventures Water Park, the Morris and Alvirda Hyman School for Business and Technology at Ohlone College, the Alvirda Hyman Center for Learning at the Fremont Adult School, as well as a recent large grant to Washington Hospital of $1.5 Million for the construction of new Emergency and Intensive Care facilities. Numerous other grants by the Fremont Bank Foundation include the areas of health and human services, education, and the arts.

Her personal volunteer services included being a founder of the Candle Lighters Ghost House in Fremont which celebrated its 40th Anniversary and has contributed in excess of $500,000 to charitable causes. She was also an active member of the Child Welfare League, the Philanthropic Educational Organization, and the Niles Congregational Church.

As part of a highly politically active couple in the 1960's, Alvirda campaigned heavily for the election of Edmund Brown, Sr. and attended the 1968 Democratic Convention, where Morris served as a voting delegate. The Hyman's were also guests of the Inaugural Ball for President Jimmy Carter.

Alvirda was an avid golfer and cook, while also enjoying wine, travel, and friendships. Past memberships included Presidio Golf Club, Castlewood Country Club, and Monterey Peninsula Country Club.

Alvirda Hyman is survived by her three children, Hattie Marie Hyman- Hughes of Fremont, Alan Hyman of Diablo, and Howard Hyman of Pebble Beach, California; five grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren/

A public visitation with the family will be held on Wednesday, December 8, 2010 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Berge Pappas Smith - Chapel of the Angels, 40862 Fremont Blvd, Fremont, CA. Services for family and close friends (limited space) will be held at Niles Congregational Church, 255 H Street, Fremont, CA at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 9, 2010.

Contributions to Niles Congregational Church or the Fremont Unified School District for Alvirda Hyman Center for Learning 39150 Fremont Blvd, Fremont, CA 94538 in lieu of flowers are appreciated.